The potential of automated minibuses in the socio-technical transformation of the transport system

Automated minibuses (AM) are currently deployed in various cities in Europe to assess their technical, social, environmental, and economic performances. The diffusion of AM as an innovation depends on its social acceptance. This study investigates needs and attitudes to evaluate social acceptance. It follows a multi-method approach, both qualitative and quantitative. The results show that AM are not judged by its technical innovativeness, but by its capability to solve problems for people. We conclude that AM have the potential to become a game-changer for transport systems, if mobility needs of increased effectiveness and flexibility are met. These requirements can be fulfilled through the integration of AM as an on-demand, door-to-door service in a MaaS system. This will lead to a true system innovation and increases the potential for AM in the social-technical transformation.